The Library of Congress and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture will celebrate Nikos Kazantzakis, considered one of the most important Greek writers, poets and philosophers of the 20th century, in a tribute on November 1.
Two lectures will be presented, after opening remarks by Ambassador of Greece Alexandros P. Mallias and president of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture Georgios Babiniotis from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.
The two speakers and their topics are Darren J.N. Middleton, a professor at Texas Christian University, on “Reading Kazantzakis Today” and Patroclos Stavrou, of N. Kazantzakis Publications, on “Kazantzakis and America.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, also marks the inauguration of activities in Washington, D.C., by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, which is headquartered in Athens.
First editions of works by Kazantzakis from the Library of Congress collections will be on exhibit from mid-November through February in the Library’s European Reading Room on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Several items from the future exhibit will be on display at the Nov. 1 event.
Kazantzakis (1883-1957) ranks among the most important and most translated Greek writers and thinkers of the 20th century. His prolific and influential output of poems, novels, essays, plays and travel books represents a major contribution to world literature. His publications include “The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel,” “Zorba the Greek,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Captain Michalis,” “Saint Francis,” “The Greek Passion” and his autobiography “Report to El Greco.”